Dalits, minorities launch mahasangram, pledge to fight against divisive forces

Thousands of people belonging to Dalit, Adivasi and other minority communities on Sunday held a Mahasangram Rally at the Ramlila Grounds here, demanding strict implementation of the Constitution and its spirit of secularism, representation and the rights of the communities.

During the rally, the communities vowed to defend their rights of religious freedom, dignity and decided to continue their unified struggle against communal and divisive forces.

Leaders and representatives of the communities from over 23 states said the current policies, including demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, were affecting them.

They expressed concerns over the promotion of a socio-cultural paradigm jeopardising constitutional rights of enjoying fundamental freedoms of food, faith and livelihood.

The leaders highlighted increased atrocities, questioning the constitutional rights of Dalits, adivasis (tribals) and minorities making them unsafe. They asserted that the issue needs urgent attention of the government.

Jamiat Ulama-I Hind general secretary Maulana Mahmood Madani said the freedom of India has yet to bring equality and development to Dalits, adivasi and other minorities.

“We are not here to oppose anybody but to change the circumstances. Changing rulers is not enough, the character has to be changed. The change will start from us,” he said.

Dalit leader Ashok Bharti said the declaration of the rally has brought together “Bahujans” in real sense. He said demonetisation had caused great inconvenience to the poor and was ill-planned.

The leaders also demanded allocation of budgets to Dalits  and minorities proportionate to their respective population and representation in all constitutional and public institution, speedy and unbiased justice to the victims of caste and communal violence, truthful implementation of Prevention of Atrocities against 

SC/ST Act.